Science Communication Training Program Showcases Innovative Research at Reiman Gardens

At Reiman Gardens, science and innovation are being brought to life through engaging conversations and hands-on activities designed to inspire curiosity in visitors of all ages. The 2025 Science Communication Training Program continues this tradition, featuring six remarkable researchers who are passionate about sharing their work with the public.

History and Mission

The Science Communication Training Program has been a cornerstone program at Reiman Gardens, built on the nationally recognized "Portal to the Public" framework. This innovative approach trains scientists to effectively communicate complex research to general audiences through interactive experiences.

Since its inception, the program has helped bridge the gap between scientific research happening at Iowa State University and the broader community. Participants receive specialized training in designing engaging programs, leading interactive activities, and facilitating meaningful conversations about science that inspire continued learning.

Meet the 2025 Scientists

This year's cohort recently presented their work to Reiman Gardens staff and students from Holy Trinity Catholic Middle School and High School from Fort Madison, Iowa. Each Fellow brings unique research and passion to the program:

Alex Ludolph: Alex is pursuing a master’s degree in Sustainable Agriculture

Alex's presentation focuses on the critical importance of keeping nitrogen out of our water supplies. Her research highlights how nitrogen contamination affects everyday activities like swimming and fishing, impacts drinking water safety, and creates significant costs for taxpayers annually.

Margaret Anderson: Margaret is a graduate student in the Sustainable Agriculture Department of Natural Resource Ecology and Management

Margaret's work centers on prairie ecosystems and their significance to Iowa's environmental health. 

"I hope people take prairie home with them and plant in their own backyard," Margaret explains. "I want to get people thinking about life below ground and the importance of it."

Craig Cowling: Craig is a graduate student in Plant Biology

Craig's research explores how plants transport nutrients, with special attention to root systems as the epicenter of plant growth and development.

"I want to teach people about plants and show that they are more interesting than what we see on the surface," Craig shares, highlighting his passion for revealing the hidden complexity of plant life.

Rachel Murphy: Rachel is a graduate student in Biochemistry

Rachel's biochemistry research focuses on two proteins, one called WHAMM, which exists in active and inactive states with different traits. Her work examines how this protein changes shape to influence skeletal development.

"My biggest goal is to learn how to communicate to a general audience," Rachel says. "Even just being able to communicate to my family members what I'm studying. I want to be a college professor, so learning how to communicate to audiences of all different backgrounds is essential."

Gretchen Mosher: Gretchen is a professor in Agriculture and Biosystems Engineering

Professor Mosher's presentation addresses grain safety, exploring the complex dynamics of grain flow during loading and unloading processes.

"I hope people understand that when we manage grain, first, that we should never get into wagons or bins when there is grain flowing," Gretchen emphasizes. "Second, when grain flows, there's a lot we don't understand about how it moves in and out. Once we load it, it's totally blended together, and whatever is in it, we have no way to remove it."

Hannah Bates: Hannah is a researcher in Social Structures and Human Behavior

Hannah's work examines the human dimension of agricultural conservation, focusing on how to encourage farmers to adopt conservation practices while navigating both financial and environmental considerations.

"You can't make science happen without people," Hannah notes. "People are not rational beings. You need to understand social structures to make science-based information happen within societies on an individual or large-scale practice."

Experience Science in Action: Meet a Scientist Day

Want to interact with these passionate researchers and experience their work firsthand? Join us for Meet a Scientist Day at Reiman Gardens on May 14 from 10 AM until 12 PM.

This special event offers visitors the unique opportunity to engage directly with scientists through hands-on activities and demonstrations designed for all ages. Whether you're a science enthusiast, a curious family looking for an educational outing, or someone who simply wants to learn more about the fascinating research happening in our community, this event promises something for everyone.

Admission to this event and to Reiman Gardens is free as part of Go Public Garden Days. Don't miss this chance to see science come to life in the beautiful spring setting of Reiman Gardens!

For more information about the Science Communication Training program or Meet a Scientist Day, visit reimangardens.com or call (515) 294-2710.